Jain Sahitya Samaroha Guchha 1

The provided text is the first volume of a collection titled "Jain Sahitya Samaroh Guchha 1" (Jain Literature Conference Collection, Part 1). Published by Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalay in Mumbai in February 1985, this volume compiles reports, study articles, and lectures presented at Jain Literature Conferences.

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided pages:

Overall Purpose and Content: The book is a compilation of the proceedings and scholarly contributions from Jain Literature Conferences. The primary goal of these conferences, initiated by Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalay, is to foster the study and promotion of Jain literature, philosophy, history, art, architecture, and journalism. This volume specifically focuses on the reports, study articles, and lectures from the first five conferences, with the intention of publishing selected works from these events.

Initiation and Evolution of Jain Sahitya Samaroh:

• The idea of institutionalizing the study of Jain literature and convening conferences of scholars originated from the founders of Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalay, reflecting a vision to establish a separate institution for literature.
• The Vidyalay embraced this vision and has significantly contributed to the writing and publication of Jain literature.
• A notable initiative was the project, inspired by Muni Punyavijayji Maharaj, to research, edit, and publish the original Agam texts, starting around 1960. Twelve Agam texts, along with scholarly apparatus like indexes, subject lists, introductions, and English translations, have been published.
• The Jain Sahitya Samaroh itself was conceptualized during the Diamond Jubilee (Hirak Mahotsav) of the Vidyalay in 1977. The aim was to regularly review and refine Jain literature, philosophy, history, sculpture, architecture, painting, and journalism.
• The response from scholars and society was so encouraging that the activity became continuous. Subsequent conferences were held in Mahuva, Surat, Songadh (Saurashtra), and Mandvi (Kutch). This volume, "Guchha 1," is being published on the occasion of the Sixth Jain Sahitya Samaroh held in Khambhat.

Publisher's and Editors' Role:

• Shri Mahavir Jain Vidyalay, Mumbai, is the publisher, committed to propagating Jain literature.
• The volume is edited by Ramanlal C. Shah, Kantilal D. Kora, Pannalal R. Shah, and Gulab Dedhiya, who successfully completed their responsibility in a short timeframe.

Key Themes and Contributions Highlighted:

• Agam Literature Publication: The Vidyalay's significant contribution to publishing the Agam texts with scholarly backing is emphasized.
• Commemoration of Jainism: The Vidyalay has also published commemorative works for its Silver Jubilee and Golden Jubilee, as well as a memorial volume for Acharya Shri Vijayvallabh Surishwarji Maharaj, all of which provide substantial research material.
• Global Recognition: Publications like "The Systems of Indian Philosophy" by Virchand Raghavji Gandhi and "New Documents of Jaina Iconography" by Dr. Moti Chandra and Dr. U. P. Shah have enhanced the institution's prestige both domestically and internationally.
• Broad Scope of Conferences: The conferences cover a wide range of subjects including Jain literature, philosophy, history, sculpture, architecture, painting, and journalism.
• Emphasis on Scholarly Rigor: The editors mention the need to select articles based on their quality and relevance, acknowledging that not all presentations could be included due to length, brevity, or availability.
• Inclusivity: The initiative is noted for transcending sectarian limitations, as evidenced by the invitation from the Khambhat Taluka Sarvajanik Kelavni Mandal for the Sixth Conference.
• Revival of Jain Studies: The conferences are seen as a revival of public activities for Jain literature, aiming for independent editing, research, and comparative study of the vast material preserved in Jain Bhandars.

Specific Conferences Mentioned and Their Locations:

1. First Jain Sahitya Samaroh: Mumbai (1977)
2. Second Jain Sahitya Samaroh: Mahuva (1979)
3. Third Jain Sahitya Samaroh: Surat (1980)
4. Fourth Jain Sahitya Samaroh: Songadh (Saurashtra) (1983)
5. Fifth Jain Sahitya Samaroh: Mandvi (Kutch) (1983)
6. Sixth Jain Sahitya Samaroh: Khambhat (upcoming)

Editorial Board and Committee: The publication acknowledges the efforts of the Jain Sahitya Samaroh Committee, including editors and various members involved in organizing the conferences.

Specific Articles/Lectures Mentioned in the Index: The table of contents lists numerous articles covering various aspects of Jain literature and tradition, including:

• Reports on the first five conferences.
• "Our Present Necessity: 'Shasan-Prabhavana' or Sadhana?" by Muni Amarendra vijayji.
• "Jain Literature" by Chimanlal Chakubhai Shah.
• Discussions on prominent Jain scholars and poets like Anandghanji, Yashovijayji, and Devchandji.
• Topics like Knowledge, Action, and Devotion.
• Discussions on Jain philosophy, history, art, architecture, and journalism.
• Studies on specific literary works like "Nalayana Mahakavya."
• Comparative studies of Jainism with Buddhism.
• The concept of Jain Penology.
• The status of women in Jainism.
• The contribution of Jainism to Gujarat's history and arts.
• The role of Jain literature in Indian culture.
• The importance of "Jain Gurjar Sahitya" as a reference work.
• The activities of Jainism in the last century.
• The philosophy of Samata (Equanimity).
• The concept of intelligence in Jain narratives.
• The significance of Jinagam and Jain Literature.
• Jain traditions in Saurashtra's folk songs.
• Jain philosophy and Saint Tiruvalluvar.
• Jain Journalism.
• Jainism in Kutch.
• Jain philosophy and Samadhi Maran (Death in contemplation).
• Research in Jain Literature: A perspective.
• Jain Penology.
• The contribution of Jain Literature to Indian Literature.
• The nature of moral and religious duty in Jainism.
• An analysis of 'Samadhishatak' by Yashovijayji.
• The concept of Jain Penology.
• The concept of Samata.
• The concept of intelligent stratagems in Jain literature.
• The contribution of Jainism to Indian culture.
• Jain Literature: Direction and Scope.
• Jap Sadhana (Meditation through chanting).
• Jain Activities of the Last Century.
• Jain Literature: A Perspective.
• Jain Journalism: A Glimpse.
• Jainism in Kutch.
• Jain Philosophy and Samadhi Maran.
• Research in Jain Literature: A Perspective.
• Jain Literature: Direction and Scope.

In essence, "Jain Sahitya Samaroh Guchha 1" serves as a vital record of the flourishing scholarly engagement with Jain traditions and literature, highlighting the ongoing efforts to preserve, study, and promote this rich heritage.